100 & 200 Series Rear Axle/Bearing System

[spressomon]

As I've accumulated more trail time and miles on my 1999 100-Series Land Cruiser I've experienced the downside of the rear axle semi-float bearing system. I'm sure the bearing and/or seal failure issues I've experienced have more to do with me exceeding, arguably significantly, the Gross Vehicle Weight Recommendation (GVWR) of the Toyota engineer's original design intent.

I understand the benefits of Full Float (FF) and Semi-Float (SF) axle systems. If cost was thrown to the wind I'd build a FF system capable of carrying, and exceeding, the near 8,000lb GVW of my rig. Unfortunately a well designed and fabbed system would easily exceed $5,000.

But like most of you I also am constrained by budget and desire to get the biggest bang for my buck. During my investigation phase of searching for the best solution I e-mailed our own Brian Jowett, Jowett Performace, for his input. Although it seems Brian is mainly focussed on Tundra and 200-Series Land Cruisers the rear axle assemblies are very similar to the 100-Series.

Brian has already done some preliminary work around retrofitting unit-style outer bearing assemblies to Tundra and 200-Series (you can read a little more about this effort here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/247201-unit-wheel-bearing-more-big-tundra-200-parts.html)

There are many pros and cons to all possible solutions. However since, AFAIK, there haven't been any rear axle failures a more easily serviced system based upon the current SF housing, R&P, disk and e-brakes, etc., should be significantly more cost effective than going FF with an entirely new axle housing, axles, 3rds, re-designed/re-engineered brake systems, etc.

I'm asking the collective group of Tundra, 200-Series and 100-Series owners if there is viable commercial interest in having Brian proceed with this project. I'm just trying to get a show of hands for interest...nothing more binding than that. Of course the poll would have more precise meaning if a cost component were included; however I don't have a cost estimate at this time...maybe Brian can elaborate.

There are quite a number of rear axle system solutions that might have potential; however what I am specifically interested in is hearing from those of you that show interest in THIS project. I would sincerely appreciate everyone keeping their comments/posts confined to the scope of this thread.


For those of you owning more than one model series or in anticipation of owning more than one model series where you'd want upgraded durability and serviceability on the rear axle/bearing system please choose multiple choices on the above poll.

 

[1loudLX]

I've had the seals go on my 2000. They need to be done again and the cost of labor to get everything done is why I've put it off. Seeing as the 2005 will become my trail truck when the 2000 tires, having an easier to service setup would be great. While I may not be able to service it myself still, paying to modify the components, assuming the price point is correct, will repay itself down the road when labor like most things will cost more.

 

[AimCOtaco]

I'm at 200kmi and seriously dreading this failure will happen on a remote trip making it time consuming and expensive.

I will be watching this thread closely for a better solution. As it is I know it will cost a lot of cash if it happens outside of my hometown so that frees up some funds right now. Mine have never been done before, (to my knowledge) I'm definitely interested.

 

[AutoCraft Aus]

Given we have plenty of 9000 lb trucks towing 6000 lb + vans on the back, through rough outback roads, we do the rear axle bearings at 200,000 km as a preventative maintenance thing, only replacing 2 sets prematurely, one because they were left slightly loose by another shop after a locker install.

Expensive to do, but not at a price per km rate, and when compared to ff set up, repacked afew times before then, cost wise, not hugely different, here.